"Wet Bias"

[Kelt]

"Is it possible that we tend to predict more possibilities for success in our online interactions than we might if say we all lived around the corner from one another?"

This is one of those yes and no questions for me. On the yes side; specifically, online communities can consolidate resources. In this particular community we have a sub-group of a sub-group of a sub-group. Most physical communities would have a very low percentage of persons in the BF dynamic. So, the odds of meeting compatible friends or partners goes up in this little fish bowl compared to Main St for most folks.

It is similar in this way to other special interest internet forums. If you want to talk with people who are audiophiles, or beekeepers, or car enthusiasts; there's a web based forum for that.

When looking at someone as a possible online friend, I like being able to look back a bit and get a feel for what their interests and ideas are. Sometimes that is enough to move on or strike up conversation. I do think that if it is to be more than online friends, we should meet in person, early and often. That is where the rubber really meets the road.


On the no side; It is limiting for the same reasons. That is why for me it is import and to meet people from all walks of life. It helps me to balance out my own perspective with that of the rest of the world. I find that easier to do out in the real world where groups are already diluted. I really enjoy meeting people from all different walks of life, but, again, if it is a specific I am looking for this is the most efficient way that I have found so far.

This seems to be an extension of what we used to do (and still do) in bars or interest based groups. Not that different to me.

As far as presentation goes, I agree with others here, yes I have better punctuation and a larger vocabulary online than in general conversation. That is because I can re-read, edit, and (occasionally) get my foot out of my mouth before hitting send. By the same token, if I lived in the same town with someone and went on a date with them I would have a freshly pressed shirt and shined shoes. I would want to put my best foot forward in either case. Same with Skype, I make sure there is nothing weird or distracting in the background.

For me, in general, the "web" is a condenser of many things. Socializing is no different, this is social media.

There are deceptive people everywhere, they are concentrated here. I like to think the good people are also.

BTW, forget what I said about punctuation. I'm still a comma whore.